Oak Ridge petition, July 13, 1945

Source: U.S. National Archives, Record Group 77,
Records of the Chief of Engineers, Manhattan Engineer District,
Harrison-Bundy File, folder #76.

Leo Szilard sent copies of the July 3 version of the Chicago
petition to the Manhattan Project laboratory at Oak Ridge,
Tennessee. After discussion and debate, the Oak Ridge scientists
produced two similar petitions.

The petition reproduced below endorsed the July 3 version, with a
modification to the last paragraph. This petition received 18
signatures, which are listed here in alphabetical order.

July 13, 1945.

We, the undersigned, agree in essence with the attached petition,
but feel that our attitude is more clearly expressed if its last
paragraph is replaced by the following:

We respectfully petition that the use of atomic bombs,
particularly against cities, be sanctioned by you as the Chief
Executive only under the following conditions:

1. Opportunity has been given to the Japanese to
surrender on terms ensuring them the possibility of peaceful
development in their homeland.

2. Convincing warnings have been given that a refusal to
surrender will be followed by the use of a new weapon.